To easy on Noble, to difficult on Prince.

[wmrojer]

Hi.

I've been playing on Noble difficulty level for a while now, but I have come to the point where I just can't seen to loose. So I figured I try on Prince, but soo far I have not had a chance against the computer on Prince. My problem is that the computer seems to create tons and tons of military units.
Last game the computer (China) had 20+ troops in every city at 500 AD. And his research still is way faster then mine. (He had researched Bronze working after 15 turns....)
Just to test I opened Worldbuilder and deleted all his troops. After 10 turns he had 3-4 troops in every city!

/Robert

 

[Hardvark]

I had the same problem. I found that I couldn't use the same strategy as I had on noble, because I just kept getting stomped. The strategy worked, it was just that my defences were never strong enough to deter the AI. So I had to spend more time building units and less time chasing wonders and getting free tech. Now I can win on Prince, sometimes. I often survive until the end though, and get to watch the AI win.

 

[troytheface]

I can relate to u on this. I use the Aztecs on prince just to pump out jags to hold the tide.

 

[Wodan]

Yep, try experimenting with different strategies.

For one thing, you need for the AI to be at war with another AI. Several ways to do that. My favorite tactic is to see who of my neighbors is Aggressive, and to spam him with missionaries so he converts to my religion. Then, simply wait.

After a bit, it will be easy as pie to get him to attack some other rival (non-Aggressive but high in score). Often, he'll attack them on his own! After all, he's aggressive. And, you're his best buddy, so he's going to look elsewhere.

For example, in my current game, I'm America, neighbors include Khan and Saladin. Both are top in score. I have given Khan every tribute he's asked for, and I'm spamming him with missionaries. (Can't spam Saladin because he's Theocratic.) I predict in about 50 turns, if that, Khan and Saladin will be at war.

Wodan

 

[vinstafresh]

I tend to get a settler out quickly by chopping a forest or 2 and then whip the hell out of my people. Usually a bit of production of a whoopin is carried over, finishing the next thing early as well. You need to protect your border cities, the cities within your empire should be fine.

A tip I found useful is that you can also start in a tropical climate, since the AI doesn't chop its jungle often. If you're lucky, a few civs start in a lot of bush, making them very inproductive. As you progress, go back to temperate climate or even random climate.

 

[gmanne]

After taking more whippings from Civ-Prince than I usually did at Madam Olga's House of Pain and Pancakes I decided things had to change. I began to actually try a few of those things the good players suggest here all the time. Nation specialisation, city specialisation, pursuing a victory type rather than deciding later how to win. The first time I played a Philosphical trait/GP city-factory combo, well ... watching GP's get pumped out of that factory every few turns just made me weep. I even tried using Golden Ages at critical moments for an impossible space race victory! I even had my first Monarch win a few days ago. I took the day off to celebrate.
Bottom line: They are lots of articles here, and elsewhere with heaps of tips. Try the 'Games of the Month' reports as well - some great ideas there too.
Good luck!